My story

Written by Nogaye - Senegal

Nogaye and his family today

“Hi, my name is Nogaye and I was a Plan’s sponsored child from 1986 to 1997 when I lived in the Ndounguel village.

“Before Plan started working with our community, I was helping my father in the field; he did not want me to attend school. He did not see any point in that.

“Over several times Plan staff met with my parents and convinced them to enrol me at school.

“I was then able to attend primary school and that was a very happy time of my life. I was so happy when I received my sponsor’s information. I sent her lots of letters about my studies and daily activities. I always tried to do my best at school so I could tell her my marks. She wrote about her life in her country and she was full of encouragement for my future.

“I am now heading for the Cheikh Anta DIOP University in Dakar, one of the two universities in Senegal and looking back I am so proud of what my village and myself have achieved over the years, thanks to the support of Plan.

“People used to find it difficult to achieve subsistence as they did not have the means to look after their families or improve themselves. Everyone has now a role to play, they are aware of what they can do and are so much happier about it.

Val Burton

Men at a water pump and well in Senegal

“My village has now enough running water. This does not just alleviate women’s workload and therefore allow them more time to spend with their children, but the water project also boosted unity among the villagers.

“Classrooms were constructed and with the supply of school equipment and educational materials illiteracy has been significantly reduced in the village. I feel sorry for former generations as they did not perceive the importance of schooling, which is why our parents did not attend school.

“Plan also helped us implement a whole range of projects that at first seemed impossible. Among these were the small community banks that allowed people to have access to credit, and the poultry farming and cattle fattening projects that allowed them to access income-generating activities.

Val Burton

A family waiting outside a health clinic

“Besides these, there are now food stores in the village to supply primary foodstuffs such as rice, millet, maize and sorghum and health huts giving better access to health care.

“And the men and women have organised themselves into groups to better manage these achievements and the income that is generated.

“Plan will always have a special place in my life and the one of my village.”